ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme 2025-26: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Sportspersons

Dreaming of shining in your sport but held back by financial constraints? The ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme 2025-26 is a golden chance for young, talented Indian athletes who deserve support to fuel their sports journey. If you are between 15-20 years old and passionate about sports, this scholarship aims to ease your financial worries and empower you to focus fully on your game.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler, a platform that helps professionals and creatives showcase their work and skills to land opportunities. Just like Fueler supports talents in building careers with visibility, ONGC’s Sports Scholarship supports budding sportspersons by providing financial aid, sports kits, insurance, and exposure to compete at higher levels. Let’s dive into what this scholarship covers and how you can apply.

What is the ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme?

Offered by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC), this scholarship scheme is designed to financially support young, meritorious sportspersons from economically weaker sections across India. The goal is to identify potential athletes and back them with financial resources, insurance, and tournament participation opportunities until they reach their peak.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ONGC Sports Scholarship 2025-26, applicants must meet these conditions:

• Be an Indian citizen.
• Age between 15 and 20 as of April 1, 2025 (date of birth between April 1, 2005, and April 1, 2010).
• The family's annual income must not exceed ₹5 lakh.
• Should not be currently employed or earning money by playing professional leagues.
• Not be receiving any other scholarship or stipend from government bodies like SAI, Khelo India, or private trusts.
• Senior sportspersons with government cash awards for medals in major international events (like Olympics, Asian Games) are not eligible.

Scholarship Amount and Benefits

The scholarship amount varies based on age category (Sub-Junior, Junior, Senior) and competition level (National or International):

• Sub-Junior category: ₹15,000 (National), ₹20,000 (International).
• Junior category: ₹20,000 (National), ₹25,000 (International).
• Senior category: ₹25,000 (National), ₹30,000 (International).

Apart from financial aid, selected scholars receive:

• Sports kits provided by ONGC.
• Coverage of all expenses for domestic tournament participation.
• Health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh, with up to ₹7,000 reimbursed for insurance premiums.
• Opportunity to represent ONGC in tournaments.

A total of 250 scholarships are awarded, with 50% reserved for female sportspersons. The scheme supports a wide variety of sports including athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, football, hockey, kabaddi, squash, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, swimming, archery, boxing, gymnastics, para sports, shooting, wrestling, carrom, kho-kho, among others.

Selection Process

Sportspersons are selected based on their sports performance and ranking, which vary by sport. For example, badminton candidates are evaluated based on their national and international ranking points. Chess players are evaluated on their ELO rating and tournament performance. Cricket players are judged by achievements in BCCI-recognized tournaments.

Applicants need to submit detailed performance records and documents during registration. The process ensures that only deserving and competitive athletes benefit from this support.

How to Apply?

Applications are accepted online through the official ONGC Sports Scholarship portal. Key dates for 2025-26 are:

• Application start: September 15, 2025, 11:00 AM
• Application deadline: October 14, 2025, 4:00 PM

Applicants must upload proof of age, income certificate, performance and ranking proofs, identity proof, and other required documents. Carefully check eligibility and prepare documents before submitting.

Why This Scholarship Matters

For budding athletes, financial constraints often hamper progress and access to facilities and tournaments. The ONGC Sports Scholarship scheme not only eases monetary challenges but also gives them insurance, equipment, and a platform to grow and compete. This holistic support plays a vital role in nurturing India's sports talent and preparing them for national and international success.

Athletes Who Turned Support Into Success with ONGC Sports Scholarship

1. Hima Das – The Dhing Express Who Redefined Indian Sprinting

Supported under ONGC’s sports program, Hima Das became a national sensation after winning silver in the Women’s 400m and gold in the 4×400m relay at the 2018 Asian Games. Coming from a small village in Assam, she turned financial support into world-class performance, proving that the right backing can help talent shine on any stage. Today, she’s not just an athlete but also a UNICEF Youth Ambassador, inspiring young girls across India to chase their dreams fearlessly.

2. Heena Sidhu – India’s Shooting Star with an Unflinching Aim

A recipient of ONGC’s sports support, Heena Sidhu has made India proud with her precision and consistency. She bagged a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the Asian Games and has represented India at multiple international championships, including the Olympics. Her journey reflects how ONGC’s initiative empowers athletes across diverse sports not just the popular ones.

3. Ragala Venkat Rahul – Lifting India’s Pride on the Global Stage

Ragala Venkat Rahul, an ONGC-supported weightlifter, clinched gold in the Men’s 85 kg category at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. His story stands as proof of how ONGC’s scholarship nurtures strength, dedication, and determination helping athletes from modest backgrounds rise to global recognition.

Final Thoughts 

As someone who helps talent get discovered and hired through strategic presentations, I appreciate how support systems like this scholarship can shape promising careers. If you’re a young sportsperson with grown potential, do not miss the chance to apply for the ONGC Sports Scholarship 2025-26. It’s not just a financial grant, but a comprehensive stepping stone towards your sports dreams.

FAQs

1. What is the maximum scholarship amount under the ONGC Sports Scholarship?

Up to ₹30,000 per month for senior sportspersons at the international level category.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the ONGC Sports Scholarship?

Indian sportspersons aged 15-20, from families earning less than ₹5 lakh annually, not employed or receiving scholarships from government or private sports organizations.

3. Which sports are covered under the ONGC Sports Scholarship?

The scholarship covers 21 sports disciplines including athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, football, hockey, kabaddi, squash, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, swimming, archery, boxing, gymnastics, para sports, shooting, wrestling, carrom, kho-kho, etc.

4. What additional benefits are provided apart from the scholarship amount?

Selected candidates get sports kits, health insurance up to ₹5 lakh, reimbursement of insurance premiums, and opportunities to represent ONGC in tournaments.

5. How can applicants apply for the ONGC Sports Scholarship?

Applications must be submitted online through the official portal within the specified application window, with required documents attached.